Orica Mining Services says it will spend about US $2 million on
the construction of an explosive manufacturing plant in Chambishi.

In an
interview after the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday, Orica mining chief
executive officer Graeme Liebelt said the company which is the world’s largest
supplier of mining explosive services would continue to expand its operations in
Zambia.

Liebelt said the plant would be important for the mining sector
as it would contribute immensely to the enhancement and expansion of mining
operations by various companies.

“We see a great future in the mining
sector in Zambia particularly copper mining. Orica is looking at how to build
the future and we want to be part of this growth and we believe that such
investment would be a great opportunity for the country, the customers and the
company,” said Liebelt.

He said in terms of job creation, the company had
already employed 50 people specifically for the plant and the employment levels
would continue to rise as the company expands and starts making other explosive
products.

The company is involved in the supply of different types of
explosives and detonators that the Chambishi plant was expected to add to about
10,000 tonnes of different types of explosive products annually.

Duncan said it was
encouraging to note that despite the mining sector facing huge challenges few
years ago, the hope for economic growth had been restored and copper production
was increasing.

“We have listened to many advisors who have talked about
the mining industry in Zambia and how the future of the country’s economy looks
like. The future is very positive and this is a very exciting country to be in,”
Duncan said.

He said the visit by the board of Orica in countries such as
Ghana, Zambia and South Africa had given the company an insight of what needed
to be done to expand operations and investments.